This episode discusses childhood sexual abuse. There are no graphic details, but the conversation acknowledges trauma, harm and their lasting effect on a woman's life. It contains the voices of Aboriginal women sharing lived experience. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that the episode includes topics that may be distressing. Please listen in a way that feels right for you: pause, step away or return another time.

Episode Overview

Sitting on Country in Kepa Kurl (Esperance), with grass underfoot, sun overhead and children playing nearby, Ros shares a story she carried quietly for decades. She is joined by her longtime friend Candy, who opens the conversation with care and stays beside her throughout. Ros speaks about harm in her childhood, about the years of keeping it “tucked in at the back of your head”, and about what changed when she began to talk. This is a conversation about courage, protection and healing, and about how land, sea and the people who choose us become part of how we care for ourselves. Ros has one hope in sharing: that it might make a difference for one person.

In This Episode

Ros, a 54-year-old Yaegl woman, shares her journey from silence to speaking. We explore:

• How carrying an experience alone can build until it overflows, and why talking, over time, makes it lighter

• Counselling, forgiveness and the slow easing of anger and heaviness

• Becoming a fiercely protective mother, and watching over her daughters and their friends

• Self-care beyond the Western definition: darts in the back shed, planting natives, swimming in the ocean, and the deep rest of being back on Country

• Learning culture through adopted family and the rangers she works alongside

• Friendship as a form of care, and how Candy has witnessed Ros's healing through time out bush together

Quotable Moments

“The more you talk about it, the more you get off your chest… the weight lifts off your shoulders. It takes a lot of time, but it does get easier.” – Ros

“No matter where you go, you've got that one place where you're back on Country.” – Ros

“Forgiving is powerful.” – Ros

Support Services

• 13YARN (13 92 76): 24/7 crisis support by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732): national counselling for people affected by sexual, domestic or family violence

• Lifeline (13 11 14): 24/7 crisis support

• If you are in immediate danger, call 000

Connect With Us

• Follow She Speaks on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies

• Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences, this podcast is not a substitute for professional support. If you're struggling, please reach out to a qualified practitioner or one of the services above.

She Speaks on Tour was produced by Professor Narelle Lemon and Mia Lindgren. She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.